Related Articles

Venturing to a foreign country is thrilling yet daunting, and you may find packing for your international trip intimidating. You can't be sure what the local stores will carry and whether you'll be able to find items you need, particularly if you don't speak the language. You also don't want to overpack. Think long and hard about whether you'll get multiple uses out of each item before you pack it. If the answer is no, leave it home.

Clothing

The clothing you'll need for a trip to Costa Rica is, of course, different than what you'll need in Finland. Research your destination's climate before choosing clothes. Generally speaking, you'll need around three or four bottoms; unless you're headed to the beach, limit yourself to no more than one pair of shorts. Wearing shorts is considered disrespectful at some foreign tourist attractions. Pack one swimsuit. Bring a mix of jeans, lightweight cotton and khaki or black pants. Pack four or five tops with a variety of sleeve lengths. You'll also need at least one dressy ensemble for evenings out. Pack one or two sets of pajamas. Unless your trip is two weeks or longer, bring enough socks and underwear to last the trip, in case you're not able to do laundry.

Outerwear and Shoes

You may spend a great deal of time in a foreign country walking the streets and touring landmarks, so walking shoes are crucial. Bring a pair of comfortably worn-in sneakers or, if you're visiting a snowy place, a pair of waterproof hiking boots. Pack a pair of comfortable backup shoes like sandals or tennis shoes, plus a pair of dress shoes. Pack a sweater and at least one jacket. A lightweight cotton jacket will suffice for warm climates, while you'll need a waterproof parka or trench coat for snowy or rainy areas. Buy a nylon poncho to carry in case of sudden downpours; when balled up, a poncho will take up mere inches in your luggage.

Essentials

Getting a prescription refilled in a foreign country will be either challenging or impossible. Bring enough of your medications to last the whole trip, plus three days worth of extras. Pack an adapter so you can keep your phone and other devices charged. Each country has a different type of plug shape and voltage, so search online to find out what type of adapters you need in your destination country. If you're visiting multiple countries, a world adapter -- which adjusts to fit plugs in several countries -- may work best. Be sure to pack any necessary documentation where you can reach it easily. In addition to packing your passport and plane tickets, make copies of these documents and carry them in your bag. Bring a few extra copies of your passport photo, or get new photos taken. They'll make it easier to get a replacement passport if needed. Buy TSA-approved luggage locks to keep your bags secure during travel.

Extras

Sunglasses and a travel umbrella will come in handy in most places. In cold climates, a pair of gloves, a hat and a scarf will keep you comfortable. Pack miniature versions of toiletries. Some foreign hotels provide extras in their bathrooms, but if not, you can easily buy more when your supply runs out. Be sure to pack both sunscreen and insect repellent. Tuck an inflatable pillow in your carry-on to use on the plane and on long bus or train rides, as well as a few paperbacks and an MP3 player. Buy a money belt or zippered cross-body bag to carry during the day to keep your cash and documents safe from thieves.

References

About the Author

Cooking, travel and parenting are three of Kathryn Walsh's passions. She makes chicken nuggets during days nannying, whips up vegetarian feasts at night and road trips on weekends. Her work has appeared to The Syracuse Post-Standard and insider magazine. Walsh received a master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University.